He was retired from the U. S. Navy, having served on the USS Intrepid and the USS Saratoga. His duty stations included Quonset Point, RI, Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, Brunswick, GA, Millington, TN, Jacksonville, FL, Pensacola, FL, Alamedia, CA and Naval Air Station, New Orleans. He rose through the enlisted ranks achieving the rank of E-8 and recieved a commission the last half of his military career, retiring with the rank of Chief Warrant Officier 3. He was selected for CWO 4, but choose to retire rather than accept the promotion. After moving to Monticello, he went to work for the Arkansas State Police as a D. L. Examiner for E Troop and F Troop. He worked for the ASP for nearly 10 years, retiring for health reasons. Ray was a Deacon at Northside Baptist Church and a Mason. He enjoyed camping, fishing, wood working and could grill a mean steak.
He was the son of the late Lynn Burgess and Alberta Tharp Burgess and was preceded in death by 4 nephews and 2 nieces.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Burgess of Monticello; one son, Brian Burgess and wife, Jenny of Monticello; three daughters, Gayle Spurlock and husband, Ricky, Deborah Tullos and husband, Joel and Kristie Fowler and husband, Pat, all of Monticello; three brothers, J. D. Burgess and wife, Ruth of Robertsdale, AL, Gene Burgess and wife, Ann and Buddy Burgess, all of Monticello; three sisters, Frances Streeter and husband, Scott of Lake Village, Eunice Hackett and husband, Bob of Monticello and Diane Molino and husband, Leo of Catarina, Texas; he was "PaPa" to nine grandsons and nine granddaughters, and "Paw" to five great-grandsons; several nephews and nieces.
Condolences(7)
Paige Stell
Monticello, AR Monday, July 27, 2009 Kristy,Sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. If there is anything I can do I am only a phone call away. This will be one of the many times in life that you will see only one set of footprints because this is a time that God will be carrying you through instead of walking beside you.
Love, Paige Stell and family
Kim Hoffman
Conway, AR Monday, July 27, 2009 Kristie, So sorry to hear about your dad. I know how hard it is to lose a parent-- please accept my deepest sympathy during this difficult time. Please give Matthew and Karlie a hug from me. KimHerbie Fisher
Williston, VT Monday, July 27, 2009 My dearest Ray,I can't believe the God Lord took you from us but now you're at peace. There are a few things I need to say to you that I know you knew but were never said.
You were the best Brother-in-Law a person could of ever had. You took my sister and my best friend from me at an early age but you and Mary made a great life for yourselves. I can never thank you enough for taking care of my sister the way you did, you were the best.
I'm so glad we got to spend sometime together in April as a family and I have to say you and Mary created a wonderful family, you should be so proud of your children, your grand children and great grand children.
I'm going to miss talking to you but promise I'll look after Mary and make sure no one is bothering her and that she lives the rest of her life like she did all the years she spent with you.
Good bye my brother-in-law. Say hello to mom and day and your mom and day for me.
I love you.
Herbie Fisher
chris +ricky cater
Monticello, AR Saturday, July 25, 2009 Gayle,,,My toughts and prayers are with you and your family. Youre Dad was a great man. Remember he always be with you in youre heart and mind.
Cindy Stell Hudgens
Monticello, AR Saturday, July 25, 2009 My thoughts and prayers are with you.Homer Wilson
Rison, AR Saturday, July 25, 2009 Ray will be missed by many. GOD BLESSJanie Rabb Fuller
Monticello,, AR Friday, July 24, 2009 Mary,So sorry to learn of Ray's passing. He has fought a
courageous battle. You have been so faithful as a
wife and caregiver.
May God Bless you and your family in your time of
need.
Janie Rabb Fuller